Urban transport across Ghana and much of West Africa is undergoing a critical transformation. As cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi continue to grow due to economic development and population increases, the pressure on existing transport systems has become intense. Lengthy commutes, rising congestion, high transport costs, and unreliable public systems are becoming daily challenges for many citizens. These realities underscore the urgent need for innovative transport solutions. In this context, Mobility-on-Demand is emerging as a powerful approach that could redefine how people across the region move within cities.
Mobility-on-Demand refers to flexible and digitally enabled transportation services that allow individuals to request transport in real time, typically through mobile applications. These systems make use of smart technology and data analysis to optimise routes, reduce waiting times for passengers, and minimize idle time for drivers. While convenience is a key benefit, the true potential of Mobility-on-Demand lies in its ability to address larger problems such as traffic congestion, inefficient transport systems, and poor access to affordable mobility. Although Mobility-on-Demand services are well established in cities across the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia, their most transformative impact could take place in African cities. Many West African cities still face gaps in infrastructure, yet have seen rapid increases in mobile phone penetration and digital readiness. This creates a unique opportunity for these cities to leap forward using modern technology rather than replicating outdated transport models.
Ghana is particularly well positioned to lead this transformation. The country’s growing technology ecosystem, youthful population, and appetite for innovation provide fertile ground for Mobility-on-Demand systems. What makes this potential even more promising is the emergence of Ghanaian experts who are shaping the future of mobility from within. One such expert is Dr Benjamin Lartey, a Ghanaian researcher and advocate for smart transport systems. Dr Lartey has been deeply engaged in studying how real-time ride systems can be adapted to address the specific transport challenges of urban areas. A recent feature in a leading Nigerian newspaper spotlighted Dr Lartey’s contributions to the field, calling attention to the transformative nature of his research. At the heart of his work is a dynamic vehicle dispatch framework that applies a computationally efficient one-to-one assignment strategy. This innovation dramatically reduces response times while keeping profit margins viable. When tested using New York City’s open-source taxicab data, his framework performed up to 10 times faster than existing methods. The implications of this breakthrough are enormous for high-demand cities like Accra, Kumasi where current Mobility-on-Demand systems often struggle with scalability and dispatch delays. Dr Lartey’s research emphasises the role of artificial intelligence and data science in optimising vehicle assignments and reducing delays.
His work demonstrates how smart algorithms can improve access in areas with limited transportation options by adapting to demand patterns, traffic flow, and local conditions. In many parts of Ghana where buses and taxis operate with little coordination, such intelligent systems could dramatically improve efficiency and reduce commuter frustration.
In a recent discussion, Dr Lartey expressed a compelling vision for the future of urban mobility in Ghana. He argued that the solution to the country’s transport problems does not lie in simply building more roads or adding more vehicles to congested streets. Instead, the path forward should focus on smart systems that adapt to real time needs and support equitable, efficient movement.
In his view, “a smarter transport future must be rooted in collaboration between government, academia, private companies, and local communities”. Mobility-on-Demand models have already been tested successfully in major cities around the world. These systems have shown the ability to respond faster than traditional methods while maintaining reasonable costs for passengers and providers alike. If such systems are carefully tailored for Ghanaian cities, the outcome could be transformational. Commute times would drop, productivity would increase, and the stress of daily travel would be significantly reduced.
Local expertise
Dr Lartey also highlighted the importance of nurturing local expertise. Ghana has the talent and intellectual capacity to lead in this space, but greater investment is needed in research and innovation. He recommends the creation of dedicated transport research centres within Ghanaian universities. These centres could provide practical solutions that are grounded in the local context and driven by data from Ghanaian cities. There are promising examples to draw inspiration from. For instance, the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Nigeria, is the first institution in Africa dedicated solely to transport studies. It offers specialised training in transport engineering, logistics, and mobility management. Ghana has similar academic infrastructure to pursue such an initiative. Institutions like the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology already have departments that could anchor such centres of excellence. Creating a Ghanaian equivalent would accelerate innovation and build capacity for future generations of transport leaders.
In addition to academic investment, Ghana’s vibrant technology sector is a key enabler of Mobility-on-Demand innovation. The country is home to numerous developers, incubators, and startups that could lead the creation of homegrown mobility platforms. These platforms would reflect Ghana’s unique road conditions, economic realities, and user behaviour. Locally developed solutions often enjoy higher rates of adoption, as they are more aligned with the needs of everyday users.
Ultimately, the success of Mobility-on-Demand is not just about technology, it is about people. It is about ensuring that a student in Adenta can reach class on time, that a nurse in Kumasi can commute safely to work, and that a market woman in Kaneshie can deliver her goods with minimal delay. Mobility-on-Demand is a tool for social and economic inclusion. It holds the potential to raise the standard of living for thousands of families by improving access to jobs, education, and healthcare. In light of all this, it is imperative that the government of Ghana and their counterpart in Nigeria take bold steps. They must recognise that Mobility-on-Demand is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable urban development. Urban mobility is central to national progress: as cities continue to expand and the demand for efficient transport rises, the need for innovative solutions becomes more pressing. Ghana especially is in a prime position to take the lead in shaping the future of urban transport in Africa. With strategic investments, collaboration, and the involvement of experts like Dr Lartey, they can build cities that are more connected, more efficient, and more inclusive. The decisions made today will shape the urban future of tomorrow. The time to act is now.
The writer is the
Assistant Manager, Corporate Affairs
Ghana Railway Development Authority
BY JENNIFER NANA AMA OPOKU
